From Community College to Medical School Dreams: Alexandra Mars’ Path to ASU

Alexandra Mars always had a passion for science—but life took a few detours before she found herself on a direct path toward a career in health care. After taking time to explore different fields, Alexandra reignited her academic journey at Arizona Western College, where she discovered a love for biomedical studies and a clear plan for the future.

“I changed my major many times because I didn't know what I ultimately wanted to do,” she said. “I started out with psychology, changed to business and ended up in Medical Studies after 16 years of starting.”

Today, Alexandra is a proud Fall 2024 graduate of Arizona State University, where she earned her degree in medical studies through the College of Health Solutions—and she’s not done yet. She’s also pursuing her MS in computational life sciences through ASU’s accelerated 4+1 program.

A Smart Start at Community College

Alexandra’s decision to begin her education at a community college was both practical and personal.

“I had to pay for my education out of pocket and I wanted to make the best financial choice,” she said. “Proximity was also a major factor. I live in the far West Valley—the nearest campus is an hour drive. I couldn't commit to that kind of commute.”

At AWC, she joined the Honors Program and completed meaningful community service projects that helped her feel connected and inspired.

“Even though I am not from Yuma, participating in the program makes me feel like I belong to the community and can do something meaningful to help others.”

A Clear Path to ASU with MyPath2ASU®

As she planned her transfer to ASU, Alexandra used the MyPath2ASU® tool to make sure her courses aligned with her long-term goals.

“I used it while attending community college to determine which classes I could take. I wanted to make sure that these classes could be transferred to the new university later on.”

Once at ASU, Alexandra immersed herself in the world of health and research. She joined student organizations like LMSA and HOSA and worked closely with faculty on research opportunities. She also completed the MED 494 internship alternative to gain hands-on experience in the field.

“There are a lot of opportunities, especially in terms of research. There are plenty of resources and support available to help students succeed.”

Looking Ahead

With graduation behind her and her master’s degree underway, Alexandra has her sights set on medical school. If she takes a gap year, she hopes to gain experience working in the biotech industry before continuing her education.

Her advice for fellow transfer students?

“It’s important to know what you want to achieve and don’t hesitate to seek help,” she said. “There are lots of support and tools ready to help you along the way.”